£1m revamp for Dukes 92 on the menu

DUKES 92, the popular waterside pub and restaurant is to be revamped in the new year at a cost of around £1m.

The Castlefield-based venue, owned by Manchester company  Elle R Leisure, which also owns the Albert’s restaurant group, is investing to mark the bar’s 25th anniversary next year.

Once a stable block for the horses that pulled the barges up the Rochdale Canal, the site was converted into a bar in 1991. It is one of Manchester’s most popular bars, particularly in summer months, when customers enjoy its canalside location next to Lock 92, from which it takes its name.

The refurbishment plans will see the 6,000 sq ft space stripped back to the brick to reflect its industrial heritage and softened with hotel lobby style furniture. 

The focal point will be a 50 ft long main bar, and trees and foliage will extend through the building to an extended covered terrace, with dining throughout.  There will also be a private dining room to seat up to 14 people with its own outside private terrace.

There will be a greater focus on food with a carefully curated menu, from Albert’s executive chef Rebecca Bardsley. There will be DJs on Friday and Saturday nights and live music every Sunday.

James Ramsbottom, managing director of  Elle R Leisure said: “This project is the culmination of 12 months of careful planning.  We are fortunate to have a fantastic building in an amazing location and this has made Dukes 92 into one of Manchester’s top destination bars.

“To continue this success it’s crucial we create a space that works just as well for laid-back lunches as it does on Saturday nights when there will be a DJ to entertain the weekend crowd.  I’m very excited about the transformation and looking forward to revealing our new look in the spring.”

Castlefield-based interior designers, SpaceInvader, has been appointed to the project.

John Williams, director at SpaceInvader said:  “We want to create something that is respectful of the area’s industrial past and use Duke’s existing features as a striking base for the scheme.  We also want to connect the outside and bring in the industrial and canal themes.  The brief allows us to combine raw textures but compliment with a softer palette and space.”

Dukes 92 will move into a temporary home – a large tipi tent on the terrace on January 1 for three months. Albert’s Shed restaurant and the function rooms above will remain open.